Australian rugby remains mired in mediocrity and must seriously consider a return to three Super Rugby franchises in the future, despite an apparent improvement in inter-conference results over the last two years.

He refuses to talk up his chances but Dane Haylett-Petty has done his hopes of taking over the Wallabies fullback jersey no harm with a superb performance in Melbourne's Super Rugby win over Queensland.

Having come off the bench in impressive fashion last week, Billy Meakes has been restored to the Rebels starting side against the Reds. Coming up against Samu Kerevi, this is the Rebels' midfielders' big World Cup chance.